Jonae Crump has always loved working with children. She enjoys being a reliable source for children. One way she hopes to combine her passion while also helping underprivileged children with mental disabilities prosper, is as a pediatric psychologist. “Adults pave the way for children, but some children are still misguided, or not able to find their path,” Jonae stated in an essay. One experience that reinforced this passion was when she shadowed a doctor at the VCU Medical Center through the Health Sciences Academy. The doctor she shadowed was a black pediatric psychologist who was passionate about her job and taught Jonae a lot. The doctor was a great example that showed Jonae, if “she’s doing it, that means I can do it.”

Jonae already gets experience working with children. Along with babysitting, she participated in the 2016 Virginia Cyber Camp. With the camp, Jonae worked with middle school-aged children helping them with activities such as robot building and computer programming. “Those kids inspired me to be better,” Jonae said. “I know that when I was a kid, I had a very good support system, but a lot of kids don’t, so I really want to help them improve.” Along with this program, Jonae has worked to give back through a variety of programs. This includes the Environmental Club where she helped build a bridge for local residents.

Jonae has volunteered with Art 180. Being a part of Art 180, where she is a part of the teen leadership council, is one of her favorite things to do outside of school. Jonae likes most things that have to do with art, especially poetry. She first became interested in poetry by watching Youtube videos, but it became a source of expression for her. Art 180 has helped her become more expressive, well-spoken and creative in her poetry. “Poetry has always been there for me, yet it continues to challenge me,” Jonae said. She hopes to one day use art to better assist the youth she works with.

Jonae is involved in many other extracurricular activities. These include the National Honor Society, Podium, Future Business Leaders of America, Mu Alpha Theta, the Drama Club and many other organizations. With all of these activities, Jonae still works to maintain a 4.69 GPA. Since she was little, Jonae’s dad told her she would get straight A’s, and starting in elementary school, she in fact, got good grades. She credits both her parents for constantly pushing her to do well in school. “An A has always been the goal,” Jonae said. “It makes me feel good because I’m a good student.” Because her parents have always pushed her to do her best, Jonae said they are some of her biggest inspirations. They always keep her going, growing and trying her best.

Another main goal she has is to open her own non-profit counseling firm. Jonae’s goal in life is to not only be successful so she can support herself and family, but she also wants to be in a position where she can give back to other people in the community. Before then, she will work toward getting her medical degree. Her top choice for college is the University of Maryland at College Park. The school attracted her because of its well-known psychology program, the campus and the student body. Other choices she is considering are Hampton University and Howard University. Besides the fact that she is motivated to reach her dreams, Jonae wants the community to know that she is still looking for financial support in her pursuit to accomplish her dreams of becoming a pediatric psychologist and opening up her own counseling firm.